Mobarez Solutions will host an open house at 2200 Winding Drive in Longmont, the location of a group home for sex offenders, on May 8 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. The company, founded by Roohallah Mobarez, aims to help reintegrate sex offenders into society in sober living homes like the one on Winding Drive after they have served their time. Mobarez is also a registered sex offender.
Mobarez Solutions received an increase in attention from Longmont residents lately, due to citizen concerns about child safety at Rough and Ready Park and Alpine Elementary School, both of which are in close proximity to the house on Winding Drive, which houses five sex offenders. Three of the residents who live in the home on Winding Drive were charged with sex offenses against children.
Longmont residents first noticed that there were several sex offenders in the house on Winding Drive by searching the sex offender registry. Some residents attended a Longmont City Council meeting earlier this month to express their concerns about the home’s proximity to children. The City Council has started considering an ordinance to prevent sex offenders from living within a certain distance of schools and parks.
“The [open house] aims to foster understanding, dispel misconceptions, challenge stigma, and promote open dialogue about the organization's work and its impact on resident reintegration and community safety,” according to a press release regarding the open house.
The open house will include a tour of the sober living home. Attendees will have the opportunity to interact with residents, staff, and representatives from partner agencies. There will also be a restorative justice circle led by BRITE, a Longmont nonprofit, and a question-and-answer session to address community concerns. Mobarez Solutions is inviting community members, Longmont City Council members, and media members to attend and learn more about their programs.
The City Council last discussed the potential terms of an ordinance on April 1. They are awaiting further reports and information before outlining specific guidelines within the ordinance. They are considering whether to include public parks, private parks, daycare centers, and schools within the ordinance and what an appropriate distance would be.
In the April 1 meeting, Councilman Matthew Popkin said they are trying to determine the “most effective level of arbitrary.” Evidence does not show that residential restrictions have an impact on recidivism for sex offenders. Mobarez has also expressed the same point during Longmont City Council meetings and in communication with the Longmont Leader.
Councilman Aren Rodriguez agreed with Popkin, but also said it is prudent to move forward with an ordinance to “alleviate fear in the community.” There is no specified date for the next Longmont City Council discussion of this potential ordinance. The next regularly scheduled meeting on April 29 has been canceled.
The Longmont Leader reported earlier this month that there are five other homes in Longmont with three or more registered sex offenders, but these homes are not associated with Mobarez Solutions.
"We believe that transparency and open communication are essential to building strong relationships within our community," Mobarez said. "This open house is an invitation to our neighbors, city leaders, and the media to come and see firsthand the work we do and the positive impact it has on our residents and public safety as a whole."
The press release for the open house acknowledges the concerns of community members, and explains that the concerns are why the company is hosting the event on May 8. “Mobarez Solutions acknowledges the high levels of emotion and fear that often surround the topic of individuals who have committed sexual offenses, both for community members and the individuals themselves,” it states. “We understand that these emotions are often rooted in a desire for safety and security, which we share as members of the community. We are committed to open communication and transparency to address these concerns and promote understanding.”
